Interviews: NonserviaM

In this new occasion we have had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Death Metal band NonserviaM, from Malaysia. Check out this band and give them a like on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

LEON (Vocals): This may not be known to many, but the band started off as a studio project under the moniker “In Reverence” before finding out that the same name being used by a multitude of bands out there. As a fan of Rotting Christ, it was almost natural for us to rename to NonserviaM after deciding to convert the project to a live band with a complete line-up. Now, I’m not saying there aren’t any other Metal bands that are of the same name out there, but having the two words joined together as one word, would have us out-stand from the other Non Serviam’s a little, I hope.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

LEON: As extreme musicians, we love all that is Metal. However, being fans of bands like At The Gates, Soilwork, Herriot, Dark Tranquility, and older In Flames just to drop a few names, Melodic Death Metal has always been our prime choice of musical expression as a Metal band.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

VINOTH (Guitar): I joined during the end of the writing process of our second CD, A Spectral Ascension. Chu Xian joined on bass after that CD was released in 2014. Both of us were well aware of the band before joining and have seen them live.

FARIS (Keyboard): I’ve shared a few stages with Vinoth prior to me and him joining NonserviaM. It wasn’t until mid 2015 that he invited me to session with NonserviaM and the rest, as they say, is history. I don't even remember when I was made an actual member of the band since I’ve always felt like that even when I was just a sessionist.

4. Each band member favourite band?

VINOTH: My favourite bands growing up were primarily the big trash metal bands and have since included bands like Necrophagist to Tyr.

FARIS: This is a tough question. I can’t really think of any specific bands right now. The list changes from time to time. My current playlist is mostly comprised of samba & bossa nova songs. Not so metal, I know. Sorry to disappoint you.

LEON: Carcass, At The Gates, Mandatory (Malaysia), Slayer, Morbid Angel, Herriot, and The Black Dahlia Murder, just to drop a few names.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

VINOTH: We write as a unit, meaning everyone contributes and our inspiration or “sound” comes from everything that we have ever listened. Since we tend not to write within the confines of a genre, we pull in influences from every genre there is out there.

FARIS: Emotions, deep conversations with bandmates and friends, personal and social issues. You name it. For me, just about anything could trigger the feeling to write a musical passage with a specific feel or atmosphere. On the technical side of things, musical interaction with other bandmates (through jamming and practicing), doesn't matter if it’s spontaneous or planned, has always been inspiring to me. I learn new techniques and improve on useful skills for the band when I’m feeding off and adjusting to my bandmates’ playing.

LEON: Jeff Walker (Carcass), Tomas “Tompa” Lindberg (At The Gates), graphic novelist Marjane Satrapi, the late social critic & comedian George Carlin, and some quality time away from being overexposed to a deadly pathogen called ‘human-race’.

6. Where was your last gig?

LEON: It was at the annual “KL METALCAMP” Metal Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia that took place on the 5th August 2017 at the Black Box, Publika.

VINOTH: Yes, being selected to play in KL METALCAMP was a great honour.

7. Where would you like to act?

LEON: Europe, Japan, and the South American regions.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

LEON: Given the chance, we would love to tour with bands like At The Gates, Carcass, Humiliation (Malaysia), Dimmu Borgir, Skyharbor (India), Be’Lakor (Australia), and of course, Rotting Christ.

9. Whom not?

LEON: We have no qualms whatsoever against any bands or musical genre. However, it will be a big NO to those so-called ‘politically-incorrected’ bands that sing or spread derogatory messages such as racism, fascism, etc. You know, those NSBM horse-manure and such.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

FARIS: During my early years as a performing musician. I got stage fright every time since I was afraid that something will go wrong even if I was well prepared. Now I suffer from stage fright only when I know I'm somehow under prepared. All I can say is just practice hard and check your gear thoroughly. If there are technical faults that have nothing to do with your preparation then learn to let go. Move on. Don't let them turn you into a nervous wreck at your next show.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

VINOTH: For me are bands the are constantly evolving like Rotting Christ and Dimmu Borgir and also bands who sound very dark like Alice in Chains.

CHUXIAN: The songs Peace Sells by Megadeth and Painkiller by Judas Priest made me really want to pick up the bass and play really heavy music. Rex Brown of Pantera really inspires in the way he play especially during Dimebag’s solos.

FARIS: Oh no it’s this kind of question again. I can’t name any. Every good band has got it’s own forte. I can’t just pick one band and say that they inspire me more than thousands of other good bands I listen to. It just doesn't work that way with me.

LEON: The mighty CARCASS and the indomitable AT THE GATES!

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

LEON: Well, there was once when we played a Metal festival in Hanoi, Vietnam, the Vietnamese crowd requested for us to teach them a couple of Malaysian vulgar words. Words like “Puki” (Pussy) and “Lancau” (Dick) are now some of their most sort-after Malaysian words when meeting Malaysians.

13. What do you think of your fans?

VINOTH: We are really appreciative of the people who have supported us all the way from the first CD. And also to those who picked up our latest 2016 CD “Archetype Obscure”

FARIS: We love them and we hope we will still have their support in the future. I also hope our fans, or should I say friends, will continue to give us feedback on our material and performances. Don’t be shy or afraid of criticizing or anything. We really appreciate honest opinions.

14. What do you think of our site?

VINOTH: You guys have a steady “core” music genre following and to be featured is a rare chance for a death metal band like us.